Connecting Citizens to Science

This project investigated citizen science as a tool for increasing opportunities for New Zealanders to become involved in science activities, as well as ways the strategic framework for citizen science could be improved.

The role of citizen science in natural hazard risk awareness, assessment, mitigation, and preparedness is being recognised as an important element of disaster risk reduction. Citizen science has potential as a collaborative resilience building activity that can help build the capacity of, and relationships between, individuals, communities, and institutions to prepare for and respond to disasters. Specifically, citizen science can increase resilience by building the collective- and self-efficacy of individuals, organisations, and communities, as well as enhancing planning and coping mechanisms.